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Both bills represent “egregious overreach,” officials say

 

COLUMBUS—On Thursday, May 15, at the Womack Building, the Columbus Town Council unanimously passed a formal resolution opposing NC Senate Bill 688 and NC House Bill 765. 

The resolution states that the bills, currently under consideration in the North Carolina General Assembly, propose significant changes to local planning and zoning regulations that could undermine local governments’ authority in land use decisions.

In their resolution, which passed unanimously, the town officials stated that these two bills would disrupt community planning efforts and allow detrimental development that contradicts local visions and standards established by the Columbus area land use plan and other adopted strategies. 

“Both bills are an egregious overreach by limiting local government land use authority solely to that expressly authorized in the Statutes,” the resolution reads.

Key concerns include removing local discretion in zoning decisions, imposing an undue burden on taxpayers through increased paperwork, and restricting public input in development processes.

The Columbus resolution highlights provisions that would expose local elected officials to potential litigation from developers if they make decisions deemed “arbitrary or capricious,” thereby discouraging them from taking necessary actions to safeguard community interests. 

The Town of Columbus joins a growing number of North Carolina towns, such as Harrisburg, Salisbury, Kannapolis, and Cleveland, in opposition to the bill. Copies of the resolution will be sent to North Carolina Senators, Representatives, and neighboring municipalities to raise awareness of these legislative threats.

The resolution received overwhelming support from the citizens in attendance. 

The resolution is available online to view at columbusnc.com, under the Town Government section labeled Agenda & Minutes.